rebelde
/reˈbelde/
The English word 'rebellious' is translated to Spanish as rebelde. Wiktionary also lists levantisco.
Meaning: showing rebellion (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| rebelde | /reˈbelde/ |
| levantisco | /lebanˈtisko/ |
The word is used to describe someone showing rebellion.
Which one should you use?
While rebelde is the standard adjective for 'rebellious', levantisco is a more specific, often regional or archaic term used to describe someone prone to uprisings or revolts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word subversivo/a is occasionally used to convey a sense of rebellion.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective rebelde is invariant in gender, meaning it is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. The plural form of rebelde is rebeldes.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈbelde/
Did you know?
- In legal contexts in some Spanish-speaking countries, a rebelde is not necessarily a revolutionary but someone who has failed to appear in court after being summoned.
- The Latin root of rebelde is linked to the idea of 'returning' or 'repeating', suggesting a cycle of returning to a state of conflict.
- In common parlance, calling a child levantisco often implies they are 'fidgety' or 'unruly' rather than politically rebellious.
Examples in context
- Mary es una chica rebelde.Mary is a rebellious girl.Tatoeba #1488938 by Shishir, translation #1486064 by Spamster
- Mi hijo es un adolescente rebelde.My son is a rebellious teenager.Tatoeba #1959219 by hayastan, translation #1920147 by Spamster
- Cuando Josefina se cansó de ser rebelde y empezó a buscar trabajo de lo suyo, se cortó la rasta, pero sé de buena tinta que todavía la conserva en un cajón.When Josephine got tired of being all rebellious and started looking for a job of her own, she cut her dreads off, but I know on good authority she still has them in a drawer somewhere.Tatoeba #10484134 by Shishir, translation #10531184 by DJ_Saidez
- A lo largo de la historia, han surgido líderes insurrectos que han luchado por la libertad y la justicia.Throughout history, rebellious leaders have emerged, fighting for freedom and justice.
- Ese estudiante es conocido por su actitud desafiante hacia los profesores.That student is known for his rebellious attitude towards teachers.
- Mi hermano menor siempre ha sido un espíritu rebelde que desafía las reglas.My younger brother has always been a rebellious spirit who defies the rules.
- Los movimientos estudiantiles fueron considerados subversivos durante la dictadura franquista.Student movements were considered rebellious during the Franco dictatorship.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing a mutual friend's behavior.
- SofíaElla siempre es muy rebelde con las reglas.She is always very rebellious with the rules.
- JavierSí, Javier piensa que es su personalidad.Yes, Javier thinks it is her personality.
- SofíaEs una actitud rebelde pero muy honesta.It is a rebellious but very honest attitude.
- JavierTienes razón, Sofía. No quiere seguir a nadie.You are right, Sofía. She does not want to follow anyone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rebellious” translations and entries rebelde, levantisco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rebelde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
